One of our preferred real palms is Chamaedorea elegans, sometimes referred to as the Neanthe Bella Parlor Palm. The Americas’ subtropical and tropical climates are home to parlor palms. The Parlor Palm can reach heights of well over six feet with the correct care and numerous repottings. However, only repot plants every two to three years, as they dislike having their roots disturbed. This plant produces inedible fruit from blooms at the base of the plant, while being related to coconuts and dates, which produce edible fruit from flowers at the top of the plant. This type of palm, which has been grown since the Victorian era, is appreciated for its ability to withstand interior circumstances and consistent behavior.
Because of its lovely stems that resemble bamboo and spread similarly to bamboo, this palm is sometimes known as the “Bamboo Palm.” The Parlor Palm is a lovely indoor plant that is simple to cultivate and maintain.
How quickly do parlor palms grow?
A popular indoor plant for a long time was the parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans). When transported back to the United States from Central America, this gorgeous plant with deep green leaf quickly gained popularity as an interior palm. It develops in beautiful clumps that conceal the narrow trunks beneath light-textured leaves.
Although it is occasionally possible to locate single-stalk specimens, the palms are typically planted in tiny clumps to mimic palm-like shrubs in attractive pots. Because the fronds can live for up to 40 days after being plucked from the plant, they are frequently used in floral arrangements, Palm Sunday decorations, and wreaths. Slow-growing parlor palms might take years to reach their maximum height (2 to 6 feet indoors and 6 to 16 feet outdoors).
I’m not sure where to put my parlor palm.
The tiny indoor palm known as the parlour palm (Chamaedorea elegans) has lovely light green fronds. Neanthe bella, parlor palm (spelled differently in the United States), good luck palm, chamaedorea palm, and dwarf mountain palm are some of its other names. It is a native of Mexico and Guatemala. Since Victorian times, when it was displayed in the parlour, the best room in the house, it has been a well-liked house plant. A clump of numerous young plants is frequently sold with it.
The parlour palm requires little maintenance and may survive in dry, low-light environments. It can filter and purify stale air and is a good air purifier as well. It grows very slowly and can occasionally erupt in tiny yellow flower sprays that are followed by mature black fruits. Dogs and cats are not poisoned by parlour palm.
Grow your parlour palm in house plant compost in a bright area that is shielded from direct sunlight for the best results. During the growing season, water frequently, and feed every month. Keep the compost dry over the winter. Repot plants in pots in the spring.
How frequently do I need to water my Parlour Palm?
Bright, dappled sun to indirect light is ideal for Parlor Palms. Their leaves may burn and scorch if exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period of time.
Parlor Palm
Weekly waterings are enjoyed by your Parlor Palm. In the winter, when you may only need to water your plant every two weeks, let the soil dry up in between waterings.
Troubleshooting
Leaning fronds with yellowing tips that are turning brown: demonstrates that your Palm has been submerged.
Browning Leaves: This could be a sign that your plant is not getting enough light or has received too much fertilizer.
My parlor palm can I place outside?
When roots start wrapping around the outside of the root ball, prepare to repot the parlor palm. Every few months, remove the plant from its container to inspect the roots. Repot plants when necessary in a pot with a 2–3-inch–larger diameter than the previous one. Add an all-purpose fertilizer on occasion, but only in the spring and summer.
In the summer, parlor palms can be relocated outside. They should be shielded from the sun, as it will burn the foliage. In hot, dry weather, pick a sheltered outdoor spot and water frequently. When nighttime temperatures drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, bring your plant back inside.
Do I need to prune my parlor palm?
Popular and simple to maintain indoor plants include parlor palms, commonly referred to as Neanthebella palms. Only a few members of the vast palm family are suitable as indoor plants. One of the select plants that does a superb job of adjusting to typical indoor settings is the parlor palm.
The Parlor palm features graceful, green leaflets on arching fronds that give this palm a canopy shape like feathers. A mature plant may produce sprays of tiny, yellow flowers on tall stalks above the foliage if given enough light. Just take the flowers off when they start to turn brown because the seeds that come after the flowers are rarely viable and aren’t worth saving.
Although this palm can handle dry indoor air, more humidity will be better for its health. Once a week, give the plant’s leaves a thorough spray with room-temperature water to assist maintain the humidity level.
Because Parlor palms originate from a terminal bud, do not prune this palm. This single point of growth will stop growing if it is pruned. However, it’s acceptable to remove old, brown fronds.
One of the few palms that thrive in low light is this one. It is the perfect houseplant or office plant due to its tolerance for low humidity and lack of light.
Low to moderately bright but not direct sunshine, light. The leaves may be receiving too much sun if they become yellowish-green.
Average room humidity with intermittent misting with water that is room temperature.
Average room temperatures range from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (18-27 degrees C). Keep the leaves away from heaters, air conditioners, and windows that are cold.
LIGHT
This plant is tolerant of low light, which is one of the reasons it makes such an excellent indoor plant. In fact, I’ve previously cultivated this plant in a room without windows.
It is unquestionably one of the plants that can withstand this kind of care! But remember, I did have the overhead illumination on. Nothing can develop when it’s dark out!
Even though they can withstand very little light, giving your parlor palm greater light will help it grow the fastest. I’ve been growing a specimen parlor palm for a number of years, and it has developed into a quite lovely plant.
My eldest Chamaedorea elegans is growing in a window with an eastern exposure. It receives some morning sun, and the rest of the day is illuminated by bright indirect light.
This palm won’t thrive if it is exposed to sunlight all day, but 2-4 hours of direct sunlight indoors is OK, especially if it is the kinder early sun.
Other parlor palms that I have grown in a big bathroom, a few feet from a window with an Eastern exposure, and they thrive there as well.
This plant can grow in a variety of interior environments, making it very adaptable. Just be cautious not to expose them to too much sunlight.
These plants thrive in windows with a northern exposure as well as eastern windows. With windows facing the west or south, I would exercise caution. If necessary, deflect any extra direct sunlight coming through the latter two exposure windows.
REPOTTING
You should be aware that parlor palms, like many other palms, have relatively shallow roots. When you do repot, try to stay away from using extra-deep pots.
For parlor palms, I like to use a really well-draining potting mix, and you can easily find everything on Amazon.
I often use a potting mixture designed for citrus and palms. This potting mix has produced excellent results for me.
Alternatively, you can use a high-quality all-purpose houseplant potting mix and supplement it with some gritty sand, larger-sized perlite, or—even better—pumice. You will have great drainage, which is what parlor palms need.
Any packaged potting mix I purchase, I usually add either some perlite or pumice. Your plants will appreciate it.
Making your own unique mixes is always enjoyable, but ultimately, you should do what feels right for YOU.
WATERING
Never let your parlor palm rest in water, please. As I would advise for ANY indoor plant,
Depending on the size of the pot, I prefer to let the top inch or two of my parlor palm soil dry out before I water it again. Then go ahead and completely wet the potting media, letting the extra water drain away.
Any extra water that gathers in any trays you may have under the pot should be discarded.
The soil around palms should never be fully dry, especially not for long periods of time. If you do this, your lower fronds may turn yellow and finally turn entirely brown. You might also have dry, brown tips on the fronds.
FERTILIZING
Every time I water, I like to fertilize my parlor palm with a weaker solution. I love to use this method for all of my indoor plants. I won’t have to think about when I last fertilized because of this!
During the primary growing season, I will fertilize using a decent, balanced all-purpose fertilizer. From roughly February or March through October.
During the gloomier seasons of the year, when growth virtually stops and the days are short, I withhold fertilizer.
Check out my blog post about fertilizing to learn about all my favorite fertilizers and how I feed my houseplants.
FLOWERS
Yes, parlor palms do routinely bloom indoors. Nevertheless, this has both blessings and drawbacks!
You can be rewarded with a spray of yellow blooms after your plant reaches the appropriate stage of development. Throughout the year, my specimen parlor palm frequently blooms for me numerous times.
The small yellow “balls” in the flower sprays frequently fall to the ground and make a mess, despite how gorgeous they are!
In order to prevent a mess on my floors, I will let them bloom for a while, but once I see some of the flowers beginning to drop, I will simply chop off the inflorescence spray.
But keep in mind that a plant will only flower if it receives enough light. Before flowering, the plant must also be mature enough.
PALM PESTS
Spider mites occasionally damage these plants. Keep your plant healthy and pest-free by regularly cleaning it, whether by misting it or rinsing it out in the sink or shower.
I discuss three risk-free methods you can employ to get rid of spider mites. These plants are generally pest-free, although during the winter when the air is particularly dry, they may be vulnerable to spider mites.
HUMIDITY
I genuinely think that this plant is the most tolerant of interior settings, which is one of the reasons I favor it over all the other indoor palm plants.
For this palm, more humidity is undoubtedly ideal, although most interior environments are quite suitable!
Please click on that link to learn more about how I feel about how to improve humidity for indoor plants.
Everyone, that’s it! You now have all the information need to cultivate Parlor Palm. It is a lovely indoor palm that, given the right care, can survive a very long time!
Searching for a Parlor Palm to buy? Etsy is one of my favorite and most useful one-stop sites for purchasing almost any plant. Today, take a look at the Parlor Palm assortment (link to Etsy).
Tip 1: Not too dark
Although Parlor Palms are regarded as low-light palms, this does not imply “no-light.” Although they prefer bright, filtered light, they can adapt to low light conditions rather well.
Tip 2: Just the right amount of water
Your Parlor Palm prefers to be well-watered before being given some time to dry out. Avoid overwatering it! Less regularly water throughout the winter. Overwatering is frequently indicated by brown leaf tips, while yellow fronds signal that the plant might use a little more water.
Tip 3: Lots of humidity
Extra humidity is beneficial for your Parlor Palm, especially throughout the winter. Mist your plant three to four times per week to keep it clear of dust, which will deter spider mites from attacking it.
Tip 4: Give it a hair cut
Sharp scissors should be used to quickly remove only the brown or yellow leaves as soon as they appear. This helps your plant maintain a healthy appearance and frees up energy for new growth.
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Does the parlor palm have a sun limit?
Water: Like the majority of indoor plants, parlor palms prefer moist (but not saturated) soil. Insert your index finger all the way into the pot, up to the second knuckle. Wait to water if it seems damp. If it’s dry, add water until the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot are filled with water. plant-care website To avoid dry soil patches that can cause the plant to lose fronds, Epic Gardening advises watering in a circle around the base of the plant.
Parlor palms require bright light, but not an excessive amount of it. Direct sunlight causes withering and excessively dry soil, but too little light will impede growth. This helpful advice is provided by Epic Gardening: If your parlor palm creates a shadow, it is receiving adequate light.
If you’re undecided, err on the side of less light. Rodale’s advises choosing an east-facing window, but if given the choice between a north and a south-facing window, choose the former.
Parlor palms enjoy temperatures of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit indoors. When the nighttime temperature is over 65 degrees during the summer, your plant might also appreciate spending time outside. Pick a location away from the sun that is only partially shaded.
Rodale’s advises giving parlor palms a liquid fertilizer or fish emulsion once every two weeks during the growing season. Use half as much as recommended by the directions to prevent salt accumulation.